David Woolley QC, of Landmark Chambers, spoke about "How Can You Defend Someone You Know is Guilty? Reflections on Legal Professional Ethics and Conduct" on 15th November 2012 at Trinity Hall, Cambridge.

David Woolley was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple in 1962, and spent his pupillages in common law and planning chambers. He joined the chambers of Sir Joseph Molony QC in 1963, and practised for some years on the Oxford and Western Circuits. His practice then developed in the fields of town and country planning, local government and parliamentary, compulsory purchase, rating, and, more recently, environmental work. He continues to practice in these fields.

He took silk in 1980, and was elected a Bencher of the Middle Temple in 1989. His work extended and extends over a wide range of planning, local government and related matters. He has appeared at major inquiries into a variety of projects, including airports, highways, regional shopping centres, mining projects, housing schemes, and hypermarket and supermarket proposals. He has appeared at many inquiries involving listed buildings, and was the Inspector appointed by the then Secretary of State for the Environment into the proposed extension to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, London.

He has appeared for promoters of and petitioners against private and hybrid bills in both Houses of Parliament, and has also appeared in a wide range of cases in the High Court, Court of Appeal, and the House of Lords. These have involved disputes over tax and rating, the validity of development plans and decisions on planning proposals, the right to buy under the Housing Acts, the right to compensation for unfair dismissal, and the construction of restrictive covenants and contracts for the sale of land. He has also frequently appeared in the Lands Tribunal in compensation and related cases.

This event was kindly Sponsored by Slaughter & May.